Sound-absorbent panel

ABSTRACT

A partition unit is disclosed which includes a rigid panel and an enclosing, channel-shaped, one-piece edge member. The two ends of the edge member abut one another mid-way of a rectilinear edge of the panel, and double-faced adhesive tape is applied along that edge, spanning the end abutment and affixing the partition unit to a flat surface.

United States Patent [191 Tough et al.

[ July 31, 1973 SOUND-ABSORBENT PANEL [75] Inventors: William J. Tough; Roy A. Hintsa,

both of Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada [73] Assignee: A. E. Rule (1965) Limited, Rexdale,

Ontario, Canada [22] Filed: May 13, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 143,124

[52] US. Cl 52/144, 52/624, 52/627, 181/33 [51] Int. Cl. E041! 2/38, E04b 1/82 [58] Field of Search 52/144, 145, 309, 52/624, 627; 181/339 [56] 7 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Milnor 52/ 144 3,270,473 9/1966 Smith 52/390 2,642,326 6/1953 Taylor 52/624 2,877,516 3/1959 Bobel 52/627 Primary Examiner-Alfred C. Perham AttorneySim & McBumey [57] ABSTRACT A partition unit is disclosed which includes a rigid panel and an enclosing, channel-shaped, one-piece edge member. The two ends of the edge member abut one another mid-way of a rectilinear edge of the panel, and double-faced adhesive tape is applied along that edge, spanning the end abutment and affixing the partition unit to a flat surface.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUL3 1 ms 3,748,799

I N VENTORS WILLIAM J. TOUGH. ROY A. HINTSA.

SOUND-ABSORBENT PANEL This invention relates generally to partition units intended for use in building construction, where it is desired to provide between working areas light-weight, preferably sound-absorbent rigid panels which are easily and quickly installed or removed.

One object of this invention is to provide a partition unit construction involving essentially three components which may be assembled without the use of any mechanical fastening devices such as screws, nails, etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a threecomponent partition unit of which one component functions both to secure the partition unit together and to adhere the partition unit to a ceiling, wall or floor surface.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a method for producing a partition unit which is both quick and economical, and which results in a low-cost, light-weight, sound-absorbent partition unit which is pleasing to the eye and which may be quickly and efficiently installed and removed from a given location within a working area.

Accordingly, this invention provides a partition unit 2 comprising a substantially rigid panel having at least one rectilinear edge, a unitary, semi-rigid edge member enclosing the edges of the panel, the edge member in cross-section comprising a base portion dimensioned to span the distance between the panel surfaces, and two spaced-apart flange portions projecting from the base portion, the flange portions being notched at locations corresponding to corners between panel edges to permit the base portion to bend around the corners, the ends of the edge member abutting each other at said at 3 least one rectilinear edge, and at least one strip of double-faced adhesive tape applied against the exterior of the base portion of the edge member along said at least one rectilinear edge, said at least one strip being so disposed that it provides adhesive areas at both end portions of said at least one rectilinear edge, and at the location of abutment between the edge member ends.

This invention further provides in a method of providing a partition unit for adhesion to a flat surface, the steps: providing a substantially rigid panel having at least one rectilinear edge, providing a unitary edge member of semi-rigid material, the edge member in cross-section comprising a base portion dimensioned to span the distance between the panel surfaces and two spaced-apart 5 flange portions projecting from the base portion, notching the flange portions at locations corresponding to corners between panel edges, the sections of the edge member adjacent the ends thereof being dimensioned to span said at least one rectilinear edge between them with said ends in abutment, wrapping said edge member around the edges of said panel with said ends abutting each other on said at least one rectilinear edge, and disposing at least one strip of double-faced adhesive tape against the edge member along said at least one rectilinear edge such that adhesive areas are provided at both end portions of said at least one rectilinear edge, and at the location of abutment between the edge member ends.

One embodiment of this invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a persepctive view of a partition unitconstructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the partition unit shown in FIG. 1, with two of its components partly disengaged to show the manner of construction;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken at the line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of one component of the partition unit, in unstressed condition; and

FIG. 5 is a partly broken-away perspective view of a special arrangement of panels according to this invention.

In FIG. I, a partition unit 10 is seen to include a central rectangular panel 12 of fiber, batt, or soundabsorbent material having a layer of suitable fabric 13 on its two outer surfaces; It will be noticed that the panel 12 is one which has a uniform thickness between its two surfaces. The fabric 13 is preferably a loosewoven cloth, this being preferred because of its strength and because the loose weave will not interfere with the sound-absorbant properties of the panel. Preferably, the material of the panel 12 is constructed in large sheets and the woven fabric 13 is then applied to the surfaces thereof, following which the large sheet is cut into smaller panels of the desired size. Alternatively, the panel 12 may be cut to the desired size first, andthe woven fabric 13 applied afterwards.

The panel 12, with or without the layers of woven fabric 13, constitutes one of the three components of the partition unit constructed in accordance with this invention.

The second component is a unitary, semi-rigid, extruded edge member 14, which is adapted to wrap around the four rectilinear edges of the panel 12, and thus to enclose the panel and provide a frame therefor. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the edge member 14 in its unstressed state includes a slightly arcuate base portion 16 dimensioned to span the distance between the two surfaces of the panel 12,'and two flange portions 18 extending outwardly from the extremities of the base portion 16. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the flange portions 18 each define an acute angle with the base portion 16, and thus converge toward each other by reason of the acute angles and of the arcuateness of the base portion 16. With this construction, the edge member 14 is adapted snugly to grip the edge of the panel 12. In FIG. 3 it can be seen that the step of affixing the edge member 14 to the edge of the panel 12 requires that the flange portions 18 be pried apart to some degree in order that the panel edge may be inserted. The act of prying apart the flange portions 18 causes the base portion 16 to flatten out, and the latter remains substantially flat when the edge member is in position because the flange portions are maintained apart under constant stress by the presence of the panel.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flange portions 18 have V.-grooves 20 at locations corresponding to the corners between the rectilinear edges of the rectangular panel 12, in order to permit the base portion 16 of the edge member 14 to bend around these corners. Because the edge member 14 is made of a semi-rigid material, for example plastic or metal, it is adapted to bend around these comers easily without fracture, rupture or cracking. As can be seen particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ends 22 of the edge member 14 are cutin such a way that they abut each other at a location intermediate the upper edge 24 of the panel 12. Preferably,

the abutting ends 22 meet each other at or near the centre of the edge, although some departure from the centre is quite permissible.

The third component of the partition unit constructed in accordance with this invention is a strip 26 of double-faced adhesive tape, which is adhered longitudinally of the edge member 14 against the exterior of the base portion 16 thereof, and spanning the location of abutment between the two ends 22 of the edge member 14. This is particularly shown in FIG. 1, while FIG. 3 shows the strip 26 of double-faced adhesive tape in cross-section.

After the partition unit has been assembled as shown in FIG. 1, it may be installed by pressing the upper edge (that carrying the strip 26 of double-faced adhesive tape) against a flat surface such as a wall or a ceiling, in order to adhere the partition unit thereto. Preferably, the tape 16 has an appreciable thickness and consists of a spongy or resilient centre core, so that the tape can contour itself to accommodate minor unevenness in the surface against which the partition unit is applied.

It will be seen from the above description and from the drawings that the strip 26 of double-adhesive tape serves four functions in connection with the partition unit 10. The first function is, of course, to secure the abutting ends 22 of the edge member 14 together. The second function is to adhere the partition unit 10 in place against a suitable flat surface such as a ceiling or a wall. The third function relates to the fact that, since the panel 12 is substantially rigid, it is necessary when hanging the partition unit from a ceiling to ensure that the abutting ends 22 of the edge member 14 are not drawn upwardly away from the panel 12 due to the weight of the panel 12 pulling downwardly. It will be recalled that there are no attachment devices such as screws, nails, itc. incorporated into the construction of this partion unit, and therefore there is nothing which positively holds the abutting ends 22 down against the upper edge 24 of the panel 12. It will be appreciated that if the strip 26 of double-adhesive tape were very short and extended only a small distance to either side of the location of abutment of the ends 22, then any attempt to secure the partition unit 10 against a ceiling by means of the short strip of double-adhesive tape would fail, because the weight of the partition unit 10 would drag downwardly away from the ceiling, and cause the ends 22 to separate from the panel 12. For this reason, the strip 26 has been shown to extend substantially over the whole length of the edge to which it is applied. In this manner, upward lifting support is applied to the partition unit at either end thereof, and in effect the partition unit is hung by the vertical side sections 27 of the edge member 14. The fourth function of the strip 26 is to contour itself to minor unevenness in the surface against which the partition unit is applied.

Preferably, the adhesive used in the double-adhesive 1 tape is of the kind which increases its grip with age, this type of adhesive being well-known in the art.

It is also pointed out that it is not essential that the panel 12 be rectangular in shape. It is only essential that the panel 12 have at least one rectilinear edge at which it can be joined to a suitable flat surface. Obviously, if the panel is polygonal, i.e. all the edges are straight, a simple rectilinear extrusion can be used for the edge member 14, with suitable V-grooving to accommodate any angulation between adjacent edges. If there are curved surfaces or rounded comers, the edge member will have to be specially adapted to the curviinear form.

The method of constructing the partition unit shown in the figures, and supporting the same from a flat surface such as a ceiling, involves first preparing a substantially rigid panel 12 with a uniform thickness between its surfaces and a plurality of rectilinear edges. As mentioned above, the material of the actual panel 12 may be prepared in large sheets to which the woven fabric 13 is subsequently applied, following which the larger sheets are cut into smaller panels of the desired configuration and size.

The edge member 14 is then obtained, having the cross-section described earlier and shown in FIG. 4, following which appropriate V-grooves 20 are cut at locations corresponding to the corners between the rectilinear panel edges. The ends 22 of the edge member 14 are cut in such a way that the sections adjacent the ends are dimensioned to span one edge between them with the ends in abutment at or near the centre of that edge. Next, the edge member 14 is wrapped around the rectilinear edges of the panel 12 with the ends 22 abutting along one of the edges, and then the strip 26 of double-faced adhesive tape is applied longitudinally against the edge member 14 along the edge at the centre of which the two ends 22 abut each other. The strip 26 of double-faced adhesive tape is applied in such a way that it spans the location of abutment between the ends 22, and the length of the strip 26 is such that it terminates close to or at the extrmities of that edge. Following this, the partition unit 10 can be pressed into position against the ceiling, wall or other flat surface to adhere the partition unit thereto.

It will be obvious that, although the edge member 14 has been described as preferably an extruded member with constant cross-section, it could be manufactured as a plate metal stamping, in which case it would not be essential for the panel 12 to be of uniform thickness. For example if the panel 12 were to taper in thickness from the top to the bottom, it would be possible to stamp the edge member 14 to match the taper. In any event, it is certainly not essential that the panel 12 be of uniform thickness throughout, since it could have central recesses, reliefs or embossings regardless of the uniformity or otherwise of its edges.

Furthermore, it is to be noted that the strip 26 of double-faced adhesive tape need not be a single piece, but could be replaced by two, three or more approprately positioned shorter pieces of tape. Such shorter pieces must however, cover these three locations: the abutment between ends 22, and the end areas of the panel edge which meets the ceiling or other surface.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 5, which shows a suitable juxtaposition of three panels 30,31 and 32 when it is desired to provide one panel 31 in a location where the ceiling surface is not suited to accept the double-faced adhesive tape. In such a situation it is of advantage to suspend the panel 31 between two other panels 30 and 32, the latter two being positioned such that their upper edges can be affixed to the ceiling in the manner earlier disclosed. The panels 30 and 32 have suitable strips 33 and 34 of double-faced adhesive tape on their upper edges, while the centre panel 31 has tape strips along its side edges to permit it to be fastened to the faces of the panels 30 and 32. In FIG. 5,

the panel 32 has been partly broken away to reveal one of the strips 36 which adheres the panel 31 to the other panels.

While the strips 33 and 34 of double-faced adhesive tape should employ a tension-resistant adhesive, the strips at the side edges of panel 31 (strip 36) should employ shear-resistant adhesive due to the different manner in which the adhesive is stressed.

The configuration of FIG. 5 is particularly useful when hanging the partition units described herein from the conventional acoustic-panel ceiling in which individual ceiling panels are edge-supported by a lattice of T-bar members. It is preferable though not essential that the partition units desclosed herein be adhered to the T-bar members wherever possible, but when no T-bar member is available in a particular location at which it is desired to have a vertical partition unit, the configuration of FIG. 5 or one similar, can be advantageously used.

What we claim as our invention is:

l. A partition unit comprising:

a substantially rigid panel having at least one rectilinear edge,

a unitary, semi-rigid edge member enclosing the edges of the panel, the edge member in crosssection comprising a base portion dimensioned to span the distance between the panel surfaces, and two spaced-apart flange portions projecting from the base portion, the flange portions being notched at locations corresponding to corners between panel edges to permit the base portion to bend around the corners, the ends of the edge member abutting each other at a location intermediate said at least one rectilinear edge,

and at least one strip of double-faced adhesive tape applied against the exterior of the base portion of the edge member along said at least one rectilinear edge, said at least one strip being so disposed that it provides adhesive areas at both end portions of said at least one rectilinear edge, and at the location of abutment between the edge member ends.

2. The invention claimed in claim 1, in which the panel is of sound-absorbent material.

3. The invention claimed in claim 2, in which the panel has bonded to each surface a loose-woven fabric material.

4. The invention claimed in claim 1, in which the panel is rectangular.

5. The invention claimed in claim 1, in which the panel is polygonal in shape, and has a uniform thickness between its surfaces adjacent the edges of the panel.

6. The invention claimed in claim 5, in which the edge member has a uniform cross-section along its length, the base portion being slightly arcuate, the flange portions projecting convergently from the extremities of the base portion, each flange portion defining an acute angle with the part of the base portion immediately adjacent that flange portion, the edge member being dimensioned such that the flange portions must be pried apart to encompass the panel edge, whereby the arcuate base portion is at least partly flattened out.

7. The invention claimed in claim 1 in which the notches in the flange portions are V-grooves.

8. The invention claimed in claim 6, in which the panel is rectangular, and in which the notches in the flange portions are V-grooves. 

1. A partition unit comprising: a substantially rigid panel having at least one rectilinear edge, a unitary, semi-rigid edge member enclosing the edges of the panel, the edge member in cross-section comprising a base portion dimensioned to span The distance between the panel surfaces, and two spaced-apart flange portions projecting from the base portion, the flange portions being notched at locations corresponding to corners between panel edges to permit the base portion to bend around the corners, the ends of the edge member abutting each other at a location intermediate said at least one rectilinear edge, and at least one strip of double-faced adhesive tape applied against the exterior of the base portion of the edge member along said at least one rectilinear edge, said at least one strip being so disposed that it provides adhesive areas at both end portions of said at least one rectilinear edge, and at the location of abutment between the edge member ends.
 2. The invention claimed in claim 1, in which the panel is of sound-absorbent material.
 3. The invention claimed in claim 2, in which the panel has bonded to each surface a loose-woven fabric material.
 4. The invention claimed in claim 1, in which the panel is rectangular.
 5. The invention claimed in claim 1, in which the panel is polygonal in shape, and has a uniform thickness between its surfaces adjacent the edges of the panel.
 6. The invention claimed in claim 5, in which the edge member has a uniform cross-section along its length, the base portion being slightly arcuate, the flange portions projecting convergently from the extremities of the base portion, each flange portion defining an acute angle with the part of the base portion immediately adjacent that flange portion, the edge member being dimensioned such that the flange portions must be pried apart to encompass the panel edge, whereby the arcuate base portion is at least partly flattened out.
 7. The invention claimed in claim 1 in which the notches in the flange portions are V-grooves.
 8. The invention claimed in claim 6, in which the panel is rectangular, and in which the notches in the flange portions are V-grooves. 